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                     WORLD SALSA FEDERATION (WSF)

    Rules Amended February 23, 2007 and are subject to change by the WSF Rules Committee.                         

GENERAL RULES FOR WORLD SALSA COMPETITIONS

 *SPECIAL NOTICE:  The 2007 World Professional Championships will be "OPEN TO THE WORLD" and there will be no mandatory qualifying events to enter as a requirement for the 2007 World Professional Championships.

Ø      Competition is open to all couples (couples to be defined as one man and one woman, except for the Salsa Team Championship). Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of their participation in the qualifying events they are entering, with the exception of Salsa Shines and the Salsa Team Championship where the minimum age is 16,  the World Youth Salsa Championship where minimum age is 13 and maximum age is 17, and the World Junior Salsa Championship where the minimum age is 6 and the maximum age is 12. 

Ø       Competitors may enter as many qualifying events that their Country/State offers. If competitors place in the top five (5) in one qualifying event in their Country/State, they are not eligible to enter the same championship in any other qualifying events. The top 5 of a qualifying event of a Country/State will automatically be eligible to compete in the Country’s National Championships. 

Ø       Competitors are allowed to represent only one country when qualifying for the WSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. For the Mambo and Salsa  Championships, at least one member of the couple must have residency or citizenship of the country they are representing. For the Salsa Team Championship, at least 50% of the team must have residency or citizenship of the country they are representing.  For the Salsa Shine Championship, the contestant must have residency or citizenship of the country they are representing.  Residency and Citizenship is defined by the rules of the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Country that the competitors represent. 

Ø       The top 3 qualifying at their National Championships will be able to represent that country in the World Salsa (L.A., Cuban, New York and Colombian styles), World Salsa  Junior and Youth, World Salsa Shine, World Salsa Team Championships, World Salsa Showdance and the World Mambo Championships. 

Ø       In the event that a Country/State is not able to hold a qualifying event, competitors from that Country/State can request in writing, participation in the World Salsa (L.A., Cuban, New York and Colombian styles), World Salsa Shine, World Salsa Team Championships, World Salsa Showdance, World Salsa Junior and Youth , and World Mambo from the Chairman of Judges. Upon receiving the request, the Chairman of Judges will then make a ruling after presenting documentation to the Executive Board. 

Ø       The following events are sanctioned as World Events for Competition:

The World Salsa Federation and its Organizers reserve the right to reduce the advertised prize money for the  World Professional Salsa (L.A., Cuban, New York and Colombian styles),  World Professional Rising Star Championships, and World Professional Salsa Showdance,  if less than 6 couples have entered each of these events, and less than 4 groups for the World Professional Salsa Team Championship, and less than 6 contestants for the World Professional Salsa Shine Championship.   

The World Salsa Federation and its organizers reserve the right to cancel the World Salsa, World Junior and Youth Salsa Championships, World Showdance, if less than 5 couples have entered each of these events, and the World Salsa Team Championships if less than 3 teams have entered and less than 3 contestants for the World Salsa Shine Championships. 

I.                     DEFINITIONS

 

DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL

A Professional Dancer is one who is any or all of the following:

  1. Registered as a Professional with the WSF.

  2. A Staff Member employed by a Dance Studio to teach.

  3. Any person who receives financial gain from teaching or doing shows or demonstrations.

  4. One who partners an Amateur Student or Registered Amateur in Pro/Am Competitions.

  5. Any person who declares himself or herself a Professional by word or deed (Examples: Demonstrating, Exhibitions, Teaching, assisting a Teacher of Dancing, serving as a hired Partner, etc.)

DEFINITION OF AMATEUR

An Amateur is one for whom dancing is strictly an avocation, a recreational activity, or a competitive sport, and who participates in dancing without seeking or receiving financial gain.

DEFINITION OF A COUPLE

A couple is defined as a male and a female.

DEFINITION OF LIFTS

A lift is any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time, with the assistance or support of their partner. Under the above definition if both feet are higher than knee level or are off the floor for more than two counts of music then the move shall be determined to be a "lift". Couples who perform lifts in categories where lifts are not allowed may be disqualified, or may be dropped to last place in the final, at the discretion of the Chairman of Judges.  Lifts are allowed in the Salsa  (L.A., Cuban, New York and Colombian styles), Salsa Showdance, and Salsa Team category only. 
DEFINITION OF PROPS
 A prop is defined as any item that is not part of the regular costume worn by the dancers, and that is not attached to the dancer or their costume for the full duration of the time that they are on the floor.  

L.A. Style

This style is usually characterized by many cross body leads that lead into turn combinations, break-away shines, and "slot" movements.  L.A. style has been influenced in its appearance by West Coast Swing, Jazz, and Ballroom dancing movements.

salsachart_breakon1style_c1.gif

Colombian Style

Although this style can vary from region to region, its most predominate style is the "Cali" style.  It has fast spins, swivels, and kicks similar to the Jive style of dancing.  This style usually breaks on 1 and utilizes all 8 beats of music

N.Y. Style

"Break on 2" style, or "dancing on (or with) the clave was evolved by Eddie Torres, a self-taught and terrific dancer in New York, who did more to keep Salsa alive than anyone else after the initial late-70s/early-80s Disco fad passed  This style has been influenced by Disco turns and styling.

salsachart_breakon2style_c.gif

 

Cuban Style

This style which is characterized by complicated arm movements and wraps, gets its influence by the Salsa Casino style which is used in Rueda dancing.  The Cuban style has been sophisticated by the Miami style Salsa to include syncopations and shines.  This dance is mainly danced rotationally as opposed to linearly and usually breaks on 1.

 

 

II.                   RULES FOR COMPETITORS

  

A. DANCE REQUIREMENTS

1.       Competitors are restricted to entering only those categories for which they are eligible under WSF Rules.  

2.       Competitors must adhere to the dress requirements specified by the Organizer, provided such requirements have been specified in his printed advertisements and/or entry blanks.  

3.       Competitors are required to remain on the floor until the end of the music to avoid the possibility of disqualification.  

4.      Competitors may not use props in any division, with the exception of the Salsa Showdance category. A prop is defined as any item that is not part of the regular costume worn by the dancers, and that is not attached to the dancer or their costume for the full duration of the time that they are on the floor.  

B. CONDUCT

1.       While on the competition premises, competitors shall conduct themselves at all times in a civil and sportsmanlike manner.  

2.       It is the competitor’s responsibility to be in attendance at least one-half hour in advance of the advertised time scheduled for the events he/she is entering. Organizers are not required to delay the program for the benefit of latecomers.  There is no refund of entry fees for any reason.

3.       Competitors entering a WSF registered event shall accept as final the individual markings of the judges, and no appeal against them may be made except when it can be shown that the actual markings have been incorrectly evaluated.  

4.       If officials and competitors mutually consent to discuss markings and results after the conclusion of the event, they should do so in a civil, ethical, and professional manner. Any breaches of professional conduct should be immediately reported to the WSF. 

5.        A competitor who removes any of the Master Scrutinizer Sheets without the permission of the Organizer shall render himself or herself liable to disciplinary action.  

6.       If a couple fails to appear for an event without notifying the Organizer in advance, then the Organizer is not obligated to accept entries from that couple for future competitions.

 

III.                 WORLD  JUNIOR AND YOUTH SALSA  CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FOR COMPETITORS

1.         Competitors must be members of the WSF.

2.         Costumes are permitted and encouraged, but no props are allowed.

3.         No lifts allowed but drops are allowed.

4.         In the semi-final round the couples will dance 2 times with music provided by the WSF.   The first time all the couples will be on the floor at the same time for a 1 minute 30 seconds.  The second time the couples will be on the floor in groups of three at a time for 2 minutes.

5.         In the final round the couples will dance 3 times with music provided by the WSF for the 1st and 3rd time.  The first time all the couples will be on the floor at the same time for 1 minute 30 seconds with music provided by the WSF.  The second time the couples will perform individually for 2 minutes using their own music to be provided to the WSF in CD format only (Competitors need to provide two ready-to-be-played CDs. One track per CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you.), and the third time all the couples will again be on the floor for a final comparison for a 1 minute 30 seconds with music provided by the WSF.

IV.                WORLD PROFESSIONAL SALSA (styles include L.A., N.Y., Mambo, Colombian, Cuban) CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FOR COMPETITORS

        1.         Competitors must be members of the WSF.

2.         Costumes are permitted and encouraged, but no props are allowed.

3.         Lifts and drops are allowed.

4.        In the semi-final round the couples will dance 2 times with music provided by the WSF.   The first time all the couples will be on the floor at the same time for a 1 minute 30 seconds.  The second time the couples will be on the floor in groups of three at a time for 2 minutes.

5.        In the final round the couples will dance 3 times with music provided by the WSF for the 1st and 3rd time.  The first time all the couples will be on the floor at the same time for 1 minute 30 seconds.  The second time the couples will perform individually for 2 minutes using their own music  to be provided to the WSF in CD format only, (Competitors need to provide two ready-to-be-played CDs. One track per CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you.) and the third time all the couples will again be on the floor for a final comparison for a 1 minute 30 seconds.

6.     Winners of the World L.A., N.Y., Mambo, Colombian, and Cuban Championships are required to compete in the Undisputed World Salsa Championships.  If they do not compete in the Undisputed World Salsa Championships, then they will forfeit their World Title and the World Title will be given to the first runner-up of their division and making it mandatory again for that couple to compete in the Undisputed World Salsa Championships.  Any exception to this ruling due to illness, injury, etc., will be at the sole discretion of the Executive Council of the World Salsa Federation.

V.                   SALSA PROFESSIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FOR COMPETITORS

        1.        Teams must consist of at least 4 people of any gender combination. 

        2.      Rueda or any other kind of group Salsa formation dancing is considered a Salsa Team.

3.        All members of the team must be at least 16 years old or older.

4.        Lifts and drops are allowed.

5.        The Team, on a CD format, must provide their music to the Organizers.   The use of sound effects of the music selected will not be permitted. Only Salsa and/or Mambo and Latin music can be used.  Competitors need to provide two ready-to-be-played CDs. One track per CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you.

6.        At least 80% of the routine has to be recognizable salsa.

7.        Costumes are permitted and encouraged, but no props are allowed.

8.        The maximum time for routines is 4 minutes, including entrances and exits.

9.        Competitors must be members of the WSF 

VI.                 SALSA PROFESSIONAL SHINE CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FOR COMPETITORS

1.       Competitors must be members of the WSF

2.       There is no discrimination between Male and Female.  This contest is a one-person contest.

3.       Contestant must be at least 16 years of age

4.       Costumes are permitted and encouraged, but no props are allowed

5.       In the preliminary rounds the contestants will dance with music provided by the WSF.   The first time all the contestants will be on the floor at the same time for 1 minute.  The second time the contestants will be on the floor in groups of three at a time for 1 minute and 30 seconds.  The third time all the contestants will again be on the floor for a final comparison for 30 seconds.

6.       In the final round the contestants will dance 3 times.  The first time all the contestants will be on the floor at the same time for 1 minute with music provided by the WSF.  The second time the contestants will dance individually to their own music provided to the WSF for a minimum of 1 minute and 30 seconds a maximum of 2 minutes in CD format only.  Competitors need to provide two ready-to-be-played CDs. One track per CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you.  The third time all the contestants will again be on the floor for a final comparison for one minute with music provided by the WSF. 

          VII.                 SALSA PROFESSIONAL SHOWDANCE CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FOR COMPETITORS

1.       Competitors must be members of the WSF

2.       Contestant must be at least 18 years of age

3.       Costumes are permitted and encouraged, and props are allowed

4.     Lifts and Drops are permitted

5.     Music must be provided to the Organizers on a CD format only    Competitors need to provide two ready-to-be-played CDs. One track per CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed 
        up your music for you

6.     Routines are limited to 3 minutes including entrances and exits.

7.     Routines must be comprised of at least 80% Salsa.

          VIII.                 UNDISPUTED PROFESSIONAL WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIP RULES FOR COMPETITORS

1.       Competitors must be members of the WSF

2.       Contestant must be at least 18 years of age

3.       Competitors must have placed first or second in one of the WSF World Championships to qualify.  The World Showdance, World Team, and World Shine Championships do not qualify.

4.     Lifts and Drops are permitted, but no props are allowed.

5.      In the semi-final round the couples will dance 2 times with music provided by the WSF.   The first time all the couples will be on the floor at the same time for a 1 minute 30 seconds.  The second time the couples will be on the floor in groups of three at a time for 2 minutes.

6.     In the final round the couples will dance 3 times with music provided by the WSF for the 1st and 3rd time.  The first time all the couples will be on the floor at the same time for 1 minute 30 seconds.  The second time the couples will perform individually for 2 minutes using their own music  to be provided to the WSF in CD format only, (Competitors need to provide two ready-to-be-played CDs. One track per CD. The DJ will not slow down or speed up your music for you.) and the third time all the couples will again be on the floor for a final comparison for a 1 minute 30 seconds.

The WSF endorses breaking on one or two as the standard for certifications and for competitions, with the exception of Mambo where breaking on 2 is the only accepted standard and Salsa Shine and Salsa Team competitions which allows participants to compete on any beat or style and allows lifts and drops (anything goes!).   

    IX.               CHAIRMAN OF JUDGES

The Chairman of Judges shall be responsible for:

1.       Determining the number of couples to be recalled.  

a.       The Chairman must ask for at least 50% of the number of couples to be recalled in each round. However, if the number of couples that are actually recalled by the adjudicators would require an additional round, then the Chairman is allowed to recall less than 50% of the couples. If the chairman asks for a 50% recall for a second round and the actual number is more than 50%, the chairman may still call for a 50% recall of his original desired number of couples in the third round, etc.  

b.       The maximum number of couples that will be allowed in any final round will be eight.  

c.        For all  “championship” competitions, if there are eight or more couples pre-registered to compete then a semi-final round must be scheduled.  Likewise, if there are fifteen or more couples pre-registered then a quarterfinal round must be scheduled.  

d.       The chairman should consult with the competition organizer whenever there is a question in regards to the number of couples to be recalled.  The chairman should determine when a semi-final should be split into two heats, taking into account the size of the floor, the number of couples in the semi-final, and the style being danced. This should be done in consultation with the competition organizer.  

e.       When the judges are instructed to select a given number of couples to dance in a final, only that number shall dance, except in the case of a tie.   No more than eight (8) couples shall dance in any Final Round.  

2.       Observance of the established timetable for the competition, or alterations to the established timetable if required.  

3.       Instructing judges on points of evaluation and scoring system.  

4.       Correct interpretation of marks by inspecting marks after each heat, and verifying that they have been correctly transcribed. Referring any scorecard requiring correction to the adjudicator concerned.  

5.       In all matters related to the conduct of the competition's), questions on judges marking, changes in program scheduling, the Chairman's decision shall be final.  

6.       Excusing a judge from officiating when he/she feels that his/her sound judgment might be impaired.  

7.       The signing of all Final Summary Marking Sheets.

 

   X.             RULES FOR JUDGES

 A. JUDGES RESTRICTIONS  

1.       A judge must excuse himself from an adjudicating panel on any occasion when he has a member of his immediate family, or any member of the same household dancing in a particular heat of a competition.  "Immediate Family" is defined as first cousin or above.  

2.       A professional competitor who wishes to judge professional events must first make a written statement to the Chairman of Judges that he is ceasing to take part in Professional Competitions, stating the starting date of retirement, and that he will not come out of retirement without giving One Hundred Twenty (120) days notice to the Chairman Of Judges in writing. 

3.      Only Certified Professionals who have taken the required examinations in the WSF, and who hold valid membership cards will be considered as WSF approved adjudicators.  Non-Certified Judges (these are voluntary Judges that do not get compensated) can only judge Open Salsa competitions.

4.       Judges who are also active Professional competitors may judge categories restricted to Amateur, and Pro/Am only. They may not judge Professional Events until they have retired from competitive dancing.  

5.     Officials (including Adjudicators, Scrutinizers, Masters of Ceremonies, and Organizers) are not allowed to give coaching lessons, on or off the premises, during the entire period of time commencing on the day of the first competitive session and concluding with the end of the last session. This does not apply to Lectures or Workshops scheduled by the organizer and open to any interested parties.    

6.  If officials and competitors mutually consent to discuss markings and results after the conclusion of the event, they should do so in a civil, ethical, and professional manner.

B. JUDGES CONDUCT

1.       Judges shall stand or be seated apart from one another and at such locations that they do not interfere with the competitors.  

2.       Judges are reminded that if they converse with any spectators, contestants or coaches, they may not discuss any competitors performance until after the close of the entire event. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary action.  

3.       Judges are not to compare notes and must judge independently.  

4.       Judges may move about freely in order to see all the couples.  

5.       Judges are required to remain on the floor until the end of the music.  

6.       Judges shall mark and sign their scorecards in ink, including their code letter, and shall initial each and every alteration.  

7.       It is a basic requirement that any professional engaged to officiate shall upon arrival at the venue:

a.       Report his presence to the Organizer and Chairman of Judges.

b.       Ascertain the Timetable of the competitions, and be available as scheduled.  

8.       While on the competition premises, judges shall conduct themselves with the utmost of professional decorum, including refraining from consuming alcohol during a judging session.   

9.   Judges will be dressed to judge in a professional manner.  For the men, a coat and tie is required.  For the ladies, a nice cocktail dress or dress slacks and blouse.  Compliance with this rule is paramount not only for professional appearance sake, but for TV. and filming of the event.  Immediate removal of a Judge will take place if appropriate attire is not adhered to.  Any exceptions or questions need to be taken to the Chairman of Judges at least 72 hours before the event.

XI.                 JUDGING CRITERIA

 1.        ARTISTIC IMPRESSION

a.       Musical Interpretation

b.       Choreography

c.        Characterization of Dance

d.       Overall impact or Charisma

        2.        TECHNIQUE

a.       Timing and Rhythm

b.       Footwork and leg action

c.        Body action and lines

d.       Partnering skills

e.       Floor craft 

XII.                   VIDEO TAPING AND CONSENT RELEASE

Absolutely no private filming, video cameras or photography will be allowed at any time. This includes: Workshops, Contests, and General Dancing. No selling of video or audiotapes will be allowed without written permission of the WSF organizers.  It is understood that all contestants and attendees consent to release the use of their photos, biographies and names that may appear on any television or in any videos for sale.